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In This Issue
High School Musical Jr.!
Moments from our High School Musical Jr. Show this past week and weekend. A special thank you to Ms. Loy, Ms. Ready and this years cast and crew for a fantastic run! You all put on an incredible show!
Take the Family Engagement Survey Today!
If you haven’t already, please take FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey today! Survey results will help us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
The survey is available in 10 languages. Please check your email for a message from FCPS partner, K12 Insight, with a link to the survey or access the survey now. Your voice matters!
Share Your Thoughts on Schoology
FCPS will be conducting voluntary, anonymous surveys on the use of Schoology from Monday, March 11, to Friday, March 22. Surveys will be delivered to:
- Elementary students (grades 3-6) through the Schoology App Center.
- Secondary students via email from Naviance.
Student feedback will inform the school division’s use of Schoology and help improve its processes, communication, and professional learning for staff. FCPS’ Instructional Services Department will also be reaching out to families through focus groups.
Please contact Schoology@fcps.edu if you have questions.
New Regulation on Meditation and Reflection Spaces
FCPS has developed Regulation 1502 to ensure all students and staff have reasonable accommodation and access to meditation and silent reflection spaces within the school division. The regulation provides guidance for schools on how to manage requests for silent reflection during instructional and non-instructional time, and for students to leave school for religious activities.
This spaces is located in the Main Office and in the Resource Wing, for individuals to engage in prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, inclusive of their religious or non-religious beliefs. Parents/caregivers must provide written permission for students requesting to miss instructional time on a regular basis. Families are encouraged to contact the main office regarding accommodations. View Regulation 1502. Visit FCPS' Guidelines for Religious Activities webpage for more information.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
This year, spring break is March 25-29. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Wednesday, April 3, after two teacher work days. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.
Lightspeed Classroom Management
As part of our commitment to creating a safe and focused learning environment for our students, our school is using a classroom management tool that will help teachers better connect with student devices during classes. We are continuing to expand our use over the coming weeks. This tool will provide teachers with a number of helpful features:
- Easily view student screens in real time from the teacher console to see which students may need guidance or support.
- Focus student attention on a particular website on their device to minimize distractions.
- Pause student access to the internet to focus on other classroom tasks.
We believe this classroom management tool will allow us to maximize class time to support your student’s learning while at school. Please note that student devices will not be monitored outside of school hours. The regular filters remain in place on school devices, but once they are home, teachers cannot monitor students. As parents, we would like to encourage you to sign up for your own Lightspeed reports, which will allow you to see how your child is spending time on the computer during and after school hours.
Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.
Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
FCPS Principal Evaluation Feedback Form
Today, Herndon Middle School parents/caregivers were sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.
The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. Your feedback matters!
College Partnership Program Deadline Extended
The College Partnership Program will now accept applications up until Friday, March 22nd at 11:59 pm.
Please contact Danielle Mascoll at dfmascoll@fcps.edu with any questions. Visit the CPP website for more information.
School Health Room Volunteers Needed
Are you looking for a rewarding way to get involved in your child’s school? Consider becoming a volunteer in the health room! As a parent volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference for students who come to the health room by providing comfort and care when they need it most. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, providing first aid care, or simply being there to lend a helping hand, your support will make a difference. As a health room volunteer, you’ll have a chance to work with our School Health Aide and School Public Health Nurse and learn valuable skills!
Upcoming Training:
Wednesday, April 17 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Herndon Reston District Office (1850 Cameron Glen Dr #100, Reston, VA 20190)
Click here or scan the QR code above to register.
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Fairfax County’s Funding of the FCPS Budget
 The average amount of funds transferred from Fairfax County to FCPS was 52.6% of county disbursements from fiscal years (FY) 2019-2023. It dipped to 51.6% in FY 2024. The County’s budget proposal for next year would transfer 51.4% of total disbursements.
If the county were to return to transferring 52.6% to FCPS for the upcoming year, that would equate to $63 million more to invest in excellence.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget. Give your feedback on the County budget.
Nominations Open for First Class Award for Inclusion
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement programs or activities that include students with disabilities that result in positive outcomes for all students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20.
Nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools by Friday, March 22. Email SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu with questions.
Italy Tour: Summer 2025
Students, did you ever want to travel the world? Well now is your chance! Come to Italy with us to taste gelato, explore the Colosseum, and take a gondola ride in Venice! Come to our informational meeting on Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30pm to learn more about our upcoming Summer 2025 Italy trip. This is a non-FCPS sponsored tour. Your family can register for the meeting here: https://bit.ly/49G37UU by Monday, March 18.
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STEMLeap Workshop
TJHSST students representing a non-profit organization called STEMLeap, are looking to host a STEM workshop for 5th-8th grade students during Spring Break. The program will be held from Monday, March 25 through Friday, March 29 from 1:30 to 5:00pm at the North County Governmental Center conference room. This workshop only requires a $10 supply fee for each student.
Parents/caregivers may register here. Visit our website for more information on our program!
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Institute for the Arts
Students in all FCPS secondary schools can enroll in the Institute for the Arts (IFTA). IFTA is a two or three week summer Arts Enrichment Program for students in rising 7th through 12th grades. Students create their own schedules in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance from nearly 60 courses offered. Transportation is provided from around the county. Tuition assistance is available for students who qualify. Check out the Institute for the Arts website for more information or email ifta@fcps.edu.
Deadline to enroll is Tuesday, April 30.
Summer Camps and Learning Programs
Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a summer camp for your child with special needs?
The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.
Extended Hours at Immunization Clinics
To help parents/caregivers obtain vaccinations for their children, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer immunization clinics with extended hours:
Thursday, March 21, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Joseph Willard Health Center.Walk-ins are accepted until 7 p.m.
Friday, March 22, 1-5:30 p.m., Annandale District Office. Walk-ins are accepted until 5 p.m.
Parents/caregivers should make an appointment but a limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about vaccinating your child and find community resources to support their health and well-being.
Note: All students enrolling in public and private schools in Virginia are required to be adequately immunized per the Code of Virginia.
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Measles Is Preventable
Measles is making headlines as the number of cases nationwide has topped 40, with three confirmed cases in people living in or traveling through the National Capital Region.
The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination! Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs, helping to build up natural defenses. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website to find out more about measles.
Allergy Season
Allergy season is upon us! Tree pollen has been moderated to high this past week and we are seeing a lot of uncomfortable students in the clinic. Signs and symptoms of allergies include congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes nose and throat, runny nose , fatigue, cough. We can develop seasonal allergies at any time. If your student has known seasonal allergies it is time to start them back on their allergy medication. Please always check with your physician. Treatment of allergies can include: antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, decongestants, prescription allergy medications. Home remedies include nasal washing with sinus rinses (distilled water or boiled tap water), air purifiers, washing sheets weekly in hot/warm water and bathing and washing hair in the evenings.
Spring Break
March 25-29 is Spring Break. Schools and school offices will be closed. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar.
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Good Friday
Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the day on which Christians annually observe the commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is a day of mourning. During special Good Friday services Christians meditate on Jesus' suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith. Read more at Britannica.com.
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Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience.
Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS’ resources for military families.
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March
- National Women's History Month
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19 | Italy Summer Tour Info Session at 6:30pm
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22 | 3rd Quarter Ends
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25-29 | Spring Break
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29 | Good Friday
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FCPS Cares
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees.
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